I just got back from a very exciting few days in Philadelphia, thanks to my book, Peanut Butter and Jellyfishes: A Very Silly Alphabet Book. I was there to accept the Please Touch Museum's 23rd Annual Book Award for the ages 3 and under category at the Delaware Valley Association for the Education of Young Children's (DVAEYC) annual conference (that's a mouthful!). The conference took place at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, and I was asked to give a short acceptance speech for an audience of 3000+. It was a little intimidating to think of being in front of that many people, and I have to admit I was SUPER nervous, but the experience became a wonderful moment of growth and confidence for me. I even received a few compliments on my speech from conference attendees, which meant the world to me. My speech was basically a shout-out to all those that helped me with the award and PBJ along the way: Please Touch Museum and the Albert M. Greenfield Foundation, the author Brian Cleary, Lerner Publishing, my support system of family and friends (I'm sure my husband loved it when I thanked him for being "my cheerleader," but he was a good sport and even waved), and the audience of educators, who have made it their mission to enrich the lives of young children.
And then it was smooth-sailing after that...a few signings at the conference on Friday, and then a reading and signing at Please Touch Museum on Saturday. Thanks again to PTM and staff for the award and my visit to Philly, and thanks to all those educators and kids I met that bought my book. I hope you have fun with it just as much as I had fun meeting you!
Check out the other winning book for ages 4-7 too: Do Unto Otters by Laurie Keller. And here's a little more info about the book award from an article in the Bulletin, Philadelphia's daily family newspaper.
And lastly, here's a little album of trip highlights...it had to be the most magical time to be in Philadelphia with all of the cherry blossoms and magnolias in bloom.
signing at the DVAEYC conference
post-award acceptance with Pennsylvania Convention Center in background
just outside Please Touch Museum
elephant at PTM made out of recycled stuff
PTM exhibit honoring Maurice Sendak's Where the Wild Things Are
I am no longer afraid of wearing yellow:) I think there must be something about yellow sweaters.
a fun Phillies game with my dad and Jeff
my first cappuccino...see the secret bird on the inside of the cup?
we loved Alma de Cuba...very yummy mojitos and truffled guacamole
the perfect spot to sit outside and grab a chai tea latte, a sandwich, and a piece of chocolate chip pound cake
just outside the Rodin museum
The rest of these photos are all from the Horticulture Center and Japanese House at Philadelphia's Fairmount Park...
I was intrigued by the elongated proportions of this statue.
a bug in daffodil heaven!
what a view!
weeping cherry blossoms...I'm loving this color palette of soft pinks, dark brown and blue-grey
cherry blossom snow
who knew moss and mold (whatever it is) could be so beautiful?
this feels like a Japanese woodblock that's come to life
Jeff sketching (and patiently waiting for me to be ready to leave...it was hard)
so, this is my zen moment this spring...
...and Jeff's zen moment with a magnolia tree...
...and a dog's zen moment in the fountain. Carpe diem, little weiner dog!
The end.
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